T h e S t o n e c h a t , a migratory species oyer the greater
part of the European Continent, where it is not observed to
remain during the winter, is a constant resident in this country,—
or at least it may be said, that only a portion of those
produced during the breeding season leave us in autumn, and
return again about the end of March in the spring following.
Many remain, and may be seen through the winter months
on most of our dry commons and heaths which are partially
covered with patches of furze or low brushwood. Should the
weather prove very severe, they leave these exposed districts,
and frequent for a time more sheltered situations. In the
spring and early part of summer this lively little bird may be
seen flitting from bush to bush, restless and noisy,—from
which latter habit the common names of Stonechatter and
Stoneclink originate,—almost always perching on the most
elevated part of a stone or bush, and seldom remaining long
in one spot. From such prominent positions they may be
seen darting off with rapid motion to capture a passing insect,
and, Flycatcher like, returning to their former station.
Their song, which is also occasionally uttered while on the
wing, is short, but pleasing ; and they may be frequently
heard to imitate the notes of other small birds. They are
often to be seen on the ground in search of worms, which,
with various insects, are their most common objects of request
as articles of food.
The Stonechat begins to build early in April : the nest is
rather large for the size of the bird, and is usually placed on
or near the ground at the base of some low bush ; the outside
of a specimen now before me is constructed of moss and
strong grass, lined with fine bents, hairs, and a few small feathers.
The female lays five or six eggs, about the middle or
during the third week of April; these are of a pale greyish
blue, the larger end minutely speckled with dull reddish
brown : the length of the egg is about eight lines and a half,
and seven lines in breadth. The young are usually hatched
by the middle of May ; and the parent birds are then clamorous
and bold, practising various tricks to entice intruders
from their nest.
The Stonechat is common in the counties along our sout -
ern coast to the Irish Channel; it is also a constant resident
in the south, the west, and the north of Ireland. I t is observed
constantly in Suffolk, Norfolk, Yorkshire, and Northumberland;
Mr. Selby .observed it in Sutherlandshire ; and
Mr. Macgillivray includes it in his Catalogue of the Birds of
the Hebrides.
M. Temminck mentions that specimens of the Stonechat
were sent by Pallas from some part of Russia, but the particular
locality is not named: these specimens, it is stated,
did not differ from others received from South Africa. The
Stonechat is common during summer in Germany, France,
Provence, and Ita ly : in the latter country some remain
durino- the winter, in which season it was observed by Mr.
Strickland at Smyrna. Mr. Swainson includes the Stonechat
among the birds of Senegal; and Le Vaillant and Dr. Smith
obtained specimens at the Cape. In a direction east of Europe,
the geographical range of this little bird is extensive.
In two collections of birds made in India, one formed by
Colonel Sykes in the Dukhun, the other by Major Franklin
on the banks of the Ganges and in the mountain chain of
Upper Hindoostan, both contained specimens of our European
Stonechat. M. Temminck also includes the Stonechat
in his Catalogue of the Birds of Japan.
The adult male, in May, has the beak black ; the mdes
dark brown; the head, neck, and back, nearly black; wing-
coverts of the tertials white, but partly hid by the other coverts,
which are blackish brown, edged with lighter brown ;
quill-feathers the same colour: upper tail-coverts white ; tail-
feathers nearly black. Chin and throat black ; sides of the